Differential assembly with torque vectoring drive mechanism

ABSTRACT

A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and one of the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to decrease the rotary speed of the second axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/353,445 filed Feb. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,134, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/852,985 filed May 25, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,990.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to differential assemblies for use in motor vehicles and, more specifically, to a differential assembly equipped with a torque vectoring drive mechanism and an active control system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In view of consumer demand for four-wheel drive vehicles, many different power transfer system are currently utilized for directing motive power (“drive torque”) to all four-wheels of the vehicle. A number of current generation four-wheel drive vehicles may be characterized as including an “adaptive” power transfer system that is operable for automatically directing power to the secondary driveline, without any input from the vehicle operator, when traction is lost at the primary driveline. Typically, such adaptive torque control results from variable engagement of an electrically or hydraulically operated transfer clutch based on the operating conditions and specific vehicle dynamics detected by sensors associated with an electronic traction control system. In conventional rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, the transfer clutch is typically installed in a transfer case for automatically transferring drive torque to the front driveline in response to slip in the rear driveline. Similarly, the transfer clutch can be installed in a power transfer device, such as a power take-off unit (PTU) or in-line torque coupling, when used in a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle for transferring drive torque to the rear driveline in response to slip in the front driveline. Such adaptively-controlled power transfer system can also be arranged to limit slip and bias the torque distribution between the front and rear drivelines by controlling variable engagement of a transfer clutch that is operably associated with a center differential installed in the transfer case or PTU.

To further enhance the traction and stability characteristics of four-wheel drive vehicles, it is also known to equip such vehicles with brake-based electronic stability control systems and/or traction distributing axle assemblies. Typically, such axle assemblies include a drive mechanism that is operable for adaptively regulating the side-to-side (i.e., left-right) torque and speed characteristics between a pair of drive wheels. In some instances, a pair of modulatable clutches are used to provide this side-to-side control, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,378,677 and 5,699,888. According to an alternative drive axle arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,880 discloses a hydraulically-operated traction distribution assembly. In addition, alternative traction distributing drive axle assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,370,588 and 6,213,241.

As part of the ever increasing sophistication of adaptive power transfer systems, greater attention is currently being given to the yaw control and stability enhancement features that can be provided by such traction distributing drive axles. Accordingly, this invention is intended to address the need to provide design alternatives which improve upon the current technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a drive axle assembly for use in motor vehicles which is equipped with an adaptive yaw control system.

To achieve this objective, the drive axle assembly of the present invention includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a torque distributing drive mechanism that is operable for transferring drive torque from a driven input shaft to the first and second axleshafts. The torque distributing drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit, and first and second mode clutches. The differential includes an input component driven by the input shaft, a first output component driving the first axleshaft and a second output component driving the second axleshaft. The speed changing unit includes a first shaft commonly driven with the first axleshaft, a second shaft commonly driven with the second axleshaft, and first and second gearsets driven by the first shaft. The first mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling the first gearset to the second shaft. Likewise, the second mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling the second gearset to the second shaft. Accordingly, selective control over actuation of one or both of the first and second mode clutches provides adaptive control of the speed differentiation and the torque transferred between the first and second axleshafts. A control system including and ECU and sensors are provided to control actuation of both mode clutches.

According to one preferred embodiment, the first gearset of the speed changing unit is an underdrive unit that is operable to decrease the rotary speed of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. Likewise, the second gearset of the speed changing unit is an overdrive unit that is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. As such, engagement of the first mode clutch results in the second axleshaft being underdriven relative to the first axleshaft. In contrast, engagement of the second mode clutch results in the second axleshaft being overdriven relative to the first axleshaft.

Pursuant to an alternative objective of the present invention, the torque distributing drive mechanism can be utilized in a power transfer unit, such as a transfer case, of a four-wheel drive vehicle to adaptively control the front-rear distribution of drive torque delivered from the powertrain to the front and rear wheels.

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of an all-wheel drive motor vehicle equipped with a drive axle having a torque distributing differential assembly and an active yaw control system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the torque distributing differential assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another illustration of the torque distributing differential assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical illustration of the power-operated actuators associated with the torque distributing differential assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the torque distributing differential assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical illustration of the torque distributing differential assembly of the present invention installed in a power transfer unit for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of the power transfer unit shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an all-wheel drive vehicle 10 includes an engine 12 transversely mounted in a front portion of a vehicle body, a transmission 14 provided integrally with engine 12, a front differential 16 which connects transmission 14 to front axleshafts 18L and 18R and left and right front wheels 20L and 20R, a power transfer unit (“PTU”) 22 which connects front differential 16 to a propshaft 24, and a rear axle assembly 26 having a torque distributing drive mechanism 28 which connects propshaft 24 to axleshafts 30L and 30R for driving left and right rear wheels 32L and 32R. As will be detailed, drive mechanism 28 is operable in association with a yaw control system 34 for controlling the transmission of drive torque through axleshafts 30L and 30R to rear wheels 32L and 32R.

In addition to an electronic control unit (ECU) 36, yaw control system 34 includes a plurality of sensors for detecting various operational and dynamic characteristics of vehicle 10. For example, a front wheel speed sensor 38 is provided for detecting a front wheel speed value based on rotation of propshaft 24, a pair of rear wheel speed sensors 40 are operable to detect the individual rear wheel speed values based rotation of left and right axle shafts 30L and 30R, and a steering angle sensor 42 is provided to detect the steering angle of a steering wheel 44. The sensors also include a yaw rate sensor 46 for detecting a yaw rate of the body portion of vehicle 10, a lateral acceleration sensor 48 for detecting a lateral acceleration of the vehicle body, and a lock switch 50 for permitting the vehicle operator to intentionally shift drive mechanism 28 into a locked mode. As will be detailed, ECU 36 controls operation of a pair of mode clutches associated with drive mechanism 28 by utilizing a control strategy that is based on input signals from the various sensors and lock switch 50.

Rear axle assembly 26 includes an axle housing 52 within which drive mechanism 28 is rotatably supported. In general, torque distributing drive mechanism 28 includes an input shaft 54, a differential 56, a speed changing unit 58, a first mode clutch 60 and a second mode clutch 62. As seen, input shaft 54 includes a pinion gear 64 that is in constant mesh with a hypoid ring gear 66. Ring gear 66 is fixed for rotation with a drive case 68 associated with differential 56. As seen, differential 56 is a planetary gearset having an annulus ring gear 70 fixed for common rotation with drive case 68, a sun gear 72 fixed for rotation with right axleshaft 30R, a differential carrier 74 fixed for rotation with left axleshaft 30L, and meshed pairs of first planet gears 76 and second planet gears 78. First planet gears 76 are shown to be meshed with sun gear 72 while second planet gears 78 are meshed with annulus ring gear 70. Differential carrier 74 is a multi-piece assembly having a front carrier ring 80 interconnected to a rear carrier ring 82 with first and second pins 84 and 86, respectively, extending therebetween and on which corresponding first and second planet gears 76 and 78 are rotatably supported. Differential 56 is operable to transfer drive torque from drive case 68 to axleshafts 30L and 30R at a ratio defined by the gear components while permitting speed differentiation therebetween. Preferably, a 50/50 torque split ratio is established by differential 56 for use in this particular drive axle application. Thus, differential 56 has ring gear 70 as its input component, differential carrier 74 as its first output component and sun gear 72 as its second output component. However, it should be understood that differential 56 is merely intended to represent one differential arrangement applicable for use with the present invention and that other know planetary and hypoid-type differentials could be substituted for use with the present invention.

Speed changing unit 58 includes a first transfer shaft 90 driven by differential carrier 74 for common rotation with left axleshaft 30L, a second transfer shaft 92 operably connected for rotation with right axleshaft 30L via a transfer unit 94, a first constant-mesh gearset 96 and a second constant-mesh gearset 98. Transfer unit 94 includes a first transfer gear 100 coupled for rotation with second transfer shaft 92, a second transfer gear 102 coupled for rotation with right axleshaft 30R, and an idler gear 104 meshed with both of first transfer gear 100 and second transfer gear 102. First gearset 96 includes a first drive gear 106 that is fixed to first transfer shaft 90 and meshed with a first speed gear 108 that is rotatably supported on second transfer shaft 92. In essence, first gearset 96 is a speed reducing or “underdrive” gearset which functions to cause first speed gear 108 to be rotatably driven at a slower rotary speed than first transfer shaft 90. Likewise, second gearset 98 includes a second drive gear 110 that is fixed to first transfer shaft 90 and meshed with a second speed gear 112 that is rotatably supported on second transfer shaft 92. In contrast to first gearset 96, second gearset 98 is a speed increasing or “overdrive” gearset which functions to cause second speed gear 112 to be driven at a faster rotary speed than first transfer shaft 90.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, first mode clutch 60 is shown to be operably disposed between first speed gear 108 of first gearset 96 and second transfer shaft 92. In particular, first mode clutch 60 includes a clutch hub 114 that is connected to first speed gear 108 and a drum 116 that is fixed for rotation with second transfer shaft 92. First mode clutch 60 also includes a multi-plate clutch pack 118 that is operably disposed between drum 116 and hub 114, and a power-operated clutch actuator 120. First mode clutch 60 is operable in a first or “released” mode so as to permit unrestricted rotation of second transfer shaft 92 relative to first transfer shaft 90. In contrast, first mode clutch 60 is also operable in a second or “locked” mode to couple first speed gear 108 to second transfer shaft 92, thereby driving second transfer shaft 92 at a reduced speed relative to first transfer shaft 90. Thus, first mode clutch 60 functions in its locked mode to decrease the rotary speed of right axleshaft 30R which, in turn, causes differential 56 to generate a corresponding increase in the rotary speed of left axleshaft 30L, thereby directing more drive torque to left axleshaft 30L than is transmitted to right axleshaft 30R. First mode clutch 60 is shifted between its released and locked modes via actuation of power-operated clutch actuator 120 in response to control signals from ECU 36. Specifically, first mode clutch 60 is operable in its released mode when clutch actuator 120 applies a predetermined minimum clutch engagement force on clutch pack 118 and is further operable in its locked mode when clutch actuator 120 applies a predetermined maximum clutch engagement force on clutch pack 118.

Second mode clutch 62 is shown to be operably disposed between second speed gear 112 of second gearset 98 and second transfer shaft 92. In particular, second mode clutch 62 includes a clutch hub 122 that is fixed for rotation with second speed gear 112, a drum 124 fixed for rotation with second transfer shaft 92, a multi-plate clutch pack 126 operably disposed between hub 122 and drum 124, and a power-operated clutch actuator 128. Second mode clutch 62 is operable in a first or “released” mode so as to permit unrestricted relative rotation between first transfer shaft 90 and second transfer shaft 92. In contrast, second mode clutch 62 is also operable in a second or “locked” mode to couple second speed gear 112 to second transfer shaft 92, thereby increasing the rotary speed of second transfer shaft 92 relative to first transfer shaft 90. Thus, second mode clutch 62 functions in its locked mode to increase the rotary speed of right axleshaft 30R which, in turn, causes differential 56 to decrease the rotary speed of left axleshaft 30L, thereby directing more drive torque to right axleshaft 30R than is directed to left axleshaft 30L. Second mode clutch 62 is shifted between its released and locked modes via actuation of power-operated clutch actuator 128 in response to control signals from ECU 36. In particular, second mode clutch 62 operates in its released mode when clutch actuator 128 applies a predetermined minimum clutch engagement force on clutch pack 126 while it operates in its locked mode when clutch actuator 128 applies a predetermined maximum clutch engagement force on cutch pack 126.

As seen, power-operated clutch actuators 120 and 128 are shown in schematic fashion to cumulatively represent the components required to accept a control signal from ECU 36 and generate a clutch engagement force to be applied to corresponding clutch packs 118 and 126. To this end, FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates the basic components associated with such power-operated clutch actuators. Specifically, each power-operated actuator includes a controlled device 132, a force generating mechanism 134, and a force apply mechanism 136. In electro-mechanical systems, controlled device 132 would represent such components as, for example, an electric motor or an electromagnetic solenoid assembly capable of receiving an electric control signal from ECU 36. The output of controlled device 132 would drive force generating mechanism 134 which could include, for example, a ball ramp, a ball screw, a leadscrew, a pivotal lever arm, rotatable cam plates, etc., each of which is capable of converting the output of controlled device 132 into a clutch engagement force. Finally, force apply mechanism 136 functions to transmit and exert the clutch engagement force generated by force generating mechanism 134 onto clutch packs 118 and 126 and can include, for example, an apply plate or a thrust plate. If a hydra-mechanical system is used, controlled device 132 could be an electrically-operated control valve that is operable for controlling the delivery of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to a piston chamber. A piston disposed for movement in the piston chamber would act as force generating mechanism 134. Preferably, controlled device 132 is capable of receiving variable electric control signals from ECU 36 for permitting variable regulation of the magnitude of the clutch engagement force generated and applied to the clutch packs so as to permit “adaptive” control of the mode clutches.

In accordance with the arrangement shown, torque distributing drive mechanism 28 is operable in coordination with yaw control system 34 to establish at a least four distinct operational modes for controlling the transfer of drive torque from input shaft 54 to axleshafts 30L and 30R. In particular, a first operational mode is established when first mode clutch 60 and second mode clutch 62 are both in their released mode such that differential 56 acts as an “open” differential so as to permit unrestricted speed differentiation with drive torque transmitted from drive case 68 to each axleshaft 30L, 30R based on the tractive conditions at each corresponding rear wheel 32L and 32R. A second operational mode is established when both first mode clutch 60 and second mode clutch 62 are in their locked mode such that differential 56 acts as a “locked” differential with no speed differentiation permitted between rear axleshafts 30L and 30R. This mode can be intentionally selected via actuation of lock switch 50 when vehicle 10 is being operated off-road or on poor roads.

A third operational mode is established when first mode clutch 60 is in its locked mode while second mode clutch 62 is in its released mode. As a result, right axleshaft 30R is underdriven due to the coupled engagement of first speed gear 108 to second transfer shaft 92. As noted, such a reduction in the rotary speed of right axleshaft 30R causes a corresponding speed increase in left axleshaft 30L. Thus, this third operational mode causes right axleshaft 30R to be underdriven while left axleshaft 30L is overdriven when required to accommodate the current tractive or steering condition detected and/or anticipated by ECU 36 based on the particular control strategy used. Likewise, a fourth operational mode is established when first mode clutch 60 is shifted into its released mode and second mode clutch 62 is shifted into its locked mode. As a result, right rear axleshaft 30R is overdriven relative to drive case 68 which, in turn, causes left axleshaft 30L to be underdriven at a corresponding reduced speed. Thus, this fourth operational mode causes right axleshaft 30R to be overdriven while left axleshaft 30L is underdriven when required to accommodate the current tractive or steering conditions detected and/or anticipated by ECU 36.

At the start of vehicle 10, power from engine 12 is transmitted to front wheels 20L and 20R through transmission 14 and front differential 16. Drive torque is also transmitted to torque distributing drive mechanism 28 through PTU 22 and propshaft 24 which, in turn, rotatably drives input pinion shaft 58. Typically, mode clutches 60 and 62 would be non-engaged such that drive torque is transmitted through differential 56 to rear wheels 32L and 32R. However, upon detection of lost traction at front wheels 20L and 20R, one or both mode clutches 60 and 62 can be engaged to provide drive torque to rear wheels 32L and 32R based on the tractive needs of the vehicles.

In addition to on-off control of the mode clutches to establish the various drive modes associated with overdrive connections through speed changing unit 58, it is further contemplated and preferred that variable clutch engagement forces can be generated by power-operated actuators 120 and 128 to adaptively regulate the left-to-right speed and torque characteristics. This “adaptive” control feature functions to provide enhanced yaw and stability control for vehicle 10. For example, a reference yaw rate can be determined based on several factors including the steering angle detected by steering angle sensor 42, the vehicle speed as calculated based on signals from the various speed sensors, and a lateral acceleration as detected by lateral acceleration sensor 48. ECU 36 compares this reference yaw rate with an actual yaw rate value detected by yaw sensor 46. This comparison will determine whether vehicle 10 is in an understeer or an oversteer condition, and the severity of the condition, so as to permit yaw control system 34 to be adaptively control actuation of the mode clutches to accommodate these steering tendencies. ECU 36 can address such conditions by initially shifting drive mechanism 28 into one of the specific operational drive mode that is best suited to correct the actual or anticipated oversteer or understeer situation. Thereafter, variable control of the mode clutches permits adaptive regulation of the side-to-side torque transfer and speed differentiation characteristics when one of the distinct drive modes is not adequate to accommodate the current steer tractive condition.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of torque distributing drive mechanism 28 of FIG. 2 is shown and designated by reference numeral 28′. Generally speaking, a large number of components are common to both drive mechanism 28 and 28′, with such components being identified by the same reference numbers. However, a bevel differential 56′ replaces planetary differential 56 and first transfer shaft 90 is now shown to be driven by the input component of bevel differential 56′ instead of one of the output components of planetary differential 56. Bevel differential 56′ includes a differential case 68′ as its input component and a pair of left and right side gears 130L and 130R, respectively, as its output components. Pinion gears 133 are driven by differential case 68′ and mesh with both of side gears 130L and 130R.

Drive mechanism 28′ is also operable to establish the four operational drive modes previously disclosed. Specifically, with both first and second mode clutches 60 and 62 released, differential 56′ acts as an open differential unit for transferring drive torque from differential case 68′ to axleshafts 30L and 30R based on the tractive conditions at each wheel. Likewise, with both first and second mode clutches 60 and 62 locked, differential 56′ is locked. The third drive mode is again established when first mode clutch 60 is engaged and second mode clutch 62 is released such that the rotary speed of right axleshaft 30R is reduced relative to the rotary speed of first transfer shaft 90. Accordingly, bevel differential 56′ causes left axleshaft 30L to be driven at a corresponding increased rotary speed. As such, right axleshaft 30R is underdriven and left axleshaft 30L is overdriven when the third drive mode is established. Finally, the fourth operational drive mode is established when first mode clutch 60 is released and second mode clutch 62 is locked such that the rotary speed of right axleshaft 30R is increased relative to that of first transfer shaft 90. Accordingly, bevel differential 56′ causes left axleshaft 30L to be driven at a corresponding reduced rotary speed. Thus, right axleshaft 30R is overdriven and left axleshaft 30L is underdriven when the fourth drive mode is established.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a four-wheel drive vehicle 10′ is shown equipped with a power transfer unit 160 that is operable for transferring drive torque from the output of transmission 14 to a first (i.e., front) output shaft 162 and a second (i.e., rear) output shaft 164. Front output shaft 162 drives a front propshaft 166 which, in turn, drives front differential 16 for driving front wheels 20L and 20R. Likewise, rear output shaft 164 drives a rear propshaft 168 which, in turn, drives a rear differential 170 for driving rear wheels 32L and 32R. Power transfer unit 160, otherwise known as a transfer case, includes a torque distributing drive mechanism 172 which functions to transmit drive torque from its input shaft 174 to both of output shafts 162 and 164 so as to bias the torque distribution ratio therebetween, thereby controlling the tractive operation of vehicle 10′. As seen, torque distribution mechanism 172 is operably associated with a traction control system 34′ for providing this adaptive traction control feature for vehicle 10′.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, torque distribution mechanism 172 of power transfer unit 160 is shown to be generally similar in structure to drive mechanism 28 of FIG. 2 with the exception that drive case 68 is now drivingly connected to input shaft 174 via a transfer assembly 180. In the arrangement shown, transfer assembly 180 includes a first sprocket 182 driven by input shaft 174, a second sprocket 184 driving drive case 68, and a power chain 186 therebetween. As seen, front output shaft 162 is driven by differential carrier 74 of differential 56 which now acts as a center or “interaxle” differential for permitting speed differentiation between the front and rear output shafts while establishing a full-time four-wheel drive mode. In addition, sun gear 72 of differential 56 drives rear output shaft 164.

Control over actuation of mode clutches 60 and 62 results in corresponding increases or decreases in the rotary speed of rear output shaft 164 relative to front output shaft 162, thereby controlling the amount of drive torque transmitted therebetween. In particular, when both mode clutches are released, unrestricted speed differentiation is permitted between the front and rear output shafts while the gear ratio established by the components of interaxle differential 56 controls the front-to-rear torque ratio based on the current tractive conditions of the front and rear wheels. In contrast, with both mode clutches engaged, a locked four-wheel drive mode is established wherein no interaxle speed differentiation is permitted between the front and rear output shafts. Such a drive mode can be intentionally selected via lock switch 50 when vehicle 10′ is driven off-road or during severe road conditions. An adaptive full-time four-wheel drive mode is made available under control of traction control system 34′ to limit interaxle slip and vary the front-rear drive torque distribution ratio based on the tractive needs of the front and rear wheels as detected by the various sensors. In addition to power transfer unit 160, vehicle 10′ could also be equipped with a rear axle assembly having either torque distributing drive mechanism 28 or 28′ and its corresponding yaw control system, as is identified by the phantom lines in FIG. 6.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A motor vehicle, comprising: a powertrain operable for generating drive torque; a driveline for transmitting drive torque from said powertrain to first and second wheels, said driveline including an input shaft driven by said powertrain, a first output shaft driving said first wheel, a second output shaft driving said second wheel and a drive mechanism coupling said input shaft to said first and second output shafts, said drive mechanism including a differential, a speed changing unit and first and second mode clutches, said differential having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft and a second output component driving said second output shaft, said speed changing unit having a transfer shaft driven by one of said input component and said first output component and first and second gearsets driven by said transfer shaft, said first mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said first gearset to said second output shaft and said second mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said second gearset to said second output shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 2. The motor vehicle of claim 1 wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a first drive mode when said first mode clutch is engaged and said second mode clutch is released, whereby said second output shaft is underdriven relative to said input component and said first output shaft is overdriven relative to said input component, and wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a second drive mode when said first mode clutch is released and said second mode clutch is engaged, whereby said second output shaft is overdriven relative to said input component and said first output shaft is underdriven relative to said input component.
 3. The motor vehicle of claim 1 wherein said differential includes a ring gear as its input component, a differential carrier as its first output component, a sun gear as its second output component and planet gears supported by said differential carrier, said planet gears are meshed with said ring gear and said sun gear.
 4. The motor vehicle of claim 1 wherein said differential includes a differential case as its input component, a first side gear as its first output component, a second side gear as its second output component and pinion gears rotatably supported by said differential case which mesh with said first and second side gears.
 5. The motor vehicle of claim 1 wherein said speed changing unit includes a second transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft, and wherein said first gearset includes a first drive gear driven by said first transfer shaft that is meshed with a first speed gear rotatably supported on said second transfer shaft, and wherein said second gearset includes a second drive gear driven by said first transfer shaft that is meshed with a second speed gear rotatably supported on said second transfer shaft.
 6. The motor vehicle of claim 5 wherein said first mode clutch includes a first clutch pack disposed between said second transfer shaft and said first speed gear and a first power-operated clutch actuator operable to generate and exert a clutch engagement force on said first clutch pack, wherein said second mode clutch includes a second clutch pack disposed between said second transfer shaft and said second speed gear and a second power-operated clutch actuator operable to generate and exert a clutch engagement force on said second clutch pack, and wherein said control system includes a control unit operable to control actuation of said first and second power-operated clutch actuators.
 7. A drive axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first wheel; a second output shaft driving the second wheel; a drive mechanism coupling said input shaft to said first and second output shafts, said drive mechanism including an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft and a second output component driving said second output shaft, a transfer shaft driven by one of said input component and said first output component, first and second gearsets driven by said transfer shaft, a first mode clutch operable for selectively coupling said first gearset to said second output shaft and a second mode clutch operable for selectively coupling said second gearset to said second output shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 8. The drive axle of claim 7 wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a first drive mode when said first mode clutch is engaged and said second mode clutch is released, whereby said first gearset causes said second output shaft to be underdriven relative to said input shaft, and wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a second drive mode when said first mode clutch is released and said second mode clutch is engaged such that said second gearset causes said second output shaft to be overdriven relative to said input shaft.
 9. The drive axle of claim 7 wherein said drive mechanism includes a ring gear as its input component, a differential carrier as its first output component, a sun gear as its second output component, and planet gears rotatably supported by said carrier which are meshed with said ring gear and said sun gear.
 10. The drive axle of claim 7 wherein said drive mechanism further includes a second transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft, wherein said first gearset includes a first drive gear driven by said first transfer shaft that is meshed with a first speed gear rotatably supported on said second transfer shaft, and wherein said second gearset includes a second drive gear driven by said first transfer shaft that is meshed with a second speed gear rotatably supported on said second transfer shaft.
 11. The drive axle of claim 10 wherein said first mode clutch includes a first clutch pack disposed between said second transfer shaft and said first speed gear, and a first power-operated clutch actuator operable to generate and exert a clutch engagement force on said first clutch pack, wherein said second mode clutch includes a second clutch pack disposed between said second transfer shaft and said second speed gear, and a second power-operated clutch actuator operable to generate and exert a clutch engagement force on said second clutch pack, and wherein said control system includes a control unit operable to control actuation of said first and second clutch actuators.
 12. A drive axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first wheel; a second output shaft driving the second wheel; a differential having a case driven by said input shaft, a first side gear fixed for rotation with said first output shaft, a second side gear fixed for rotation with said second output shaft and pinion gears rotatably supported by said case that are meshed with said first and second side gears; a speed changing unit having a transfer shaft driven by said case, an underdrive gearset driven by said transfer shaft and an overdrive gearset driven by said transfer shaft; a first mode clutch for selectively coupling said underdrive gearset to said second output shaft; a second mode clutch for selectively coupling said overdrive gearset to said second output shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 13. A drive axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first wheel; a second output shaft driving the second wheel; a differential having a ring gear driven by said input shaft, a planet carrier fixed for rotation with said first output shaft, a sun gear fixed for rotation with said second output shaft and planet gears rotatably supported by said planet carrier that mesh with said ring gear and said sun gear; a speed changing unit having a transfer shaft driven by one of said ring gear and said planet carrier, an underdrive gearset driven by said transfer shaft and an overdrive gearset driven by said transfer shaft; a first mode clutch for coupling said underdrive gearset to said second output shaft; a second mode clutch for coupling said overdrive gearset to said second output shaft; and a control system for actuating said first and second mode clutches.
 14. A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a powertrain and first and second drivelines, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first driveline; a second output shaft driving the second driveline; a torque distributing drive mechanism operably interconnecting said input shaft to said first and second output shafts, said torque distributing drive mechanism including a differential, a speed changing unit and first and second mode clutches, said differential having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft and a second output component driving said second output shaft, said speed changing unit having a transfer shaft driven by one of said input component and said first output component, a first gearset having a first drive gear driven by said transfer shaft and a first speed gear driven at a reduced speed relative thereto and a second gearset having a second drive gear driven by said transfer shaft and a second speed gear driven at an increased speed relative thereto, said first mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said first speed gear to said second output shaft and said second mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said second speed gear to said second output shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 15. A motor vehicle, comprising: a powertrain for generating drive torque; a driveline for transmitting drive torque from said powertrain to first and second wheels and including an input shaft driven by said powertrain, a first output shaft driving said first wheel, a second output shaft driving said second wheel and a drive mechanism interconnecting said input shaft to said first and second output shafts, said drive mechanism including a differential, a speed changing assembly and first and second mode clutches, said differential having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft and a second output component driving said second output shaft, said speed changing assembly having a transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft and first and second gearsets driven by one of said input component and said first output component, said first mode clutch is operable for releaseably coupling said first gearset to said transfer shaft and said second mode clutch is operable for releaseably coupling said second gearset to said transfer shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 16. The motor vehicle of claim 15 wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a first drive mode when said first mode clutch is engaged and said second mode clutch is released, whereby said second output shaft is underdriven relative to said input component and said first output shaft is overdriven relative to said input component, and wherein said drive mechanism is operable to establish a second drive mode when said first mode clutch is released and said second mode clutch is engaged, whereby said second output shaft is overdriven relative to said input component and said first output shaft is underdriven relative to said input component.
 17. The motor vehicle of claim 15 wherein said speed changing assembly further includes a drive shaft driven by said first output component, said drive shaft drives said first and second gearsets, wherein engagement of said first mode clutch causes said first gearset to reduce the rotary speed of said transfer shaft relative to said drive shaft, and wherein engagement of said second mode clutch causes said second gearset to increase the rotary speed of said transfer shaft relative to said drive shaft.
 18. A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first wheel; a second output shaft driving the second wheel; a drive mechanism including an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft, a second output component driving said second output shaft, a transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft, first and second gearsets driven by said input component, a first mode clutch for coupling said first gearset to said transfer shaft, and a second mode clutch for coupling second gearset to said transfer shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 19. A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first wheel; a second output shaft driving the second wheel; a drive mechanism including an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft, a second output component driving said second output shaft, a transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft, first and second gearsets driven by said first output component, a first mode clutch for coupling said first gearset to said transfer shaft, and a second mode clutch for coupling second gearset to said transfer shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.
 20. A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a powertrain and first and second drivelines, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first output shaft driving the first driveline; a second output shaft driving the second driveline; a torque distributing drive mechanism operably interconnecting said input shaft to said first and second output shafts, said torque distributing drive mechanism including a differential, a speed changing unit and first and second mode clutches, said differential having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first output shaft and a second output component driving said second output shaft, said speed changing unit having a transfer shaft driven by said second output shaft, a first gearset having a first drive gear driven by said input component that is meshed with a first speed gear driven at a reduced speed relative thereto and a second gearset having a second drive gear driven by said first transfer shaft and a second speed gear driven at an increased speed relative thereto, said first mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said first speed gear to said transfer shaft and said second mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said second speed gear to said transfer shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches. 